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Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifying Hopes Dealt Major Late Blow; Egypt, Morocco Move Closer 

Morocco's Brahim Díaz celebrates after scoring the second goal during the World Cup group E qualifying soccer match between Morocco and Tanzania at the Stade municipal d'Oujda, Morocco, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP) 
Morocco's Brahim Díaz celebrates after scoring the second goal during the World Cup group E qualifying soccer match between Morocco and Tanzania at the Stade municipal d'Oujda, Morocco, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP) 
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Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifying Hopes Dealt Major Late Blow; Egypt, Morocco Move Closer 

Morocco's Brahim Díaz celebrates after scoring the second goal during the World Cup group E qualifying soccer match between Morocco and Tanzania at the Stade municipal d'Oujda, Morocco, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP) 
Morocco's Brahim Díaz celebrates after scoring the second goal during the World Cup group E qualifying soccer match between Morocco and Tanzania at the Stade municipal d'Oujda, Morocco, Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (AP) 

Nigeria conceded a last-minute goal in a major blow to its World Cup qualifying hopes on Tuesday, when Egypt and Morocco all but booked their places at next year's tournament.

Zizo’s goal was enough for unbeaten Egypt's 1-0 win over Sierra Leone in Cairo, while Morocco looks assured of qualifying with a nine-point lead over its rivals after a 2-0 win over Tanzania.

Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz scored a penalty after Nayef Aguerd broke the deadlock on a rebound for Morocco’s fifth win from five games in Group E.

Zizo struck just before the break for Egypt to maintain a five-point lead over Burkina Faso, which had defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-1 on Monday in Group A.

Nigeria's nightmare

Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa scored in the final minute to silence the home fans in Uyo, Nigeria as the visitors claimed a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria star Victor Osimhen put the Super Eagles on course to claim just their second win in Group C after Friday’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda had rekindled Nigeria's qualification hopes.

But the 21-year-old Chirewa, a late substitute, equalized in the 90th to earn Zimbabwe's draw.

Meanwhile, South Africa defeated Benin 2-0 to consolidate the top spot. Bafana Bafana leads with 13 points from six rounds, five clear of Rwanda (which drew with Lesotho 1-1) and Benin. Nigeria stayed fourth in the group with just seven points.

Only the nine group winners secure automatic qualification. The four best-placed runners-up will compete to be the African contender in FIFA's six-country playoff for the last two qualification spots at the World Cup next year in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Algeria makes a statement

Wolfsburg forward Mohammed Amoura scored a hat trick as Algeria defeated Mozambique 5-1 to open a three-point lead over the visitors in Group G. Guinea's qualification hopes are all but over after a 1-0 loss to Uganda, the team's third defeat leaving it eight points behind Algeria in fifth.

Cape Verde remained top of Group D with a 2-1 win in Angola, though Cameroon responded with Vincent Aboubakar scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Libya. Cape Verde stayed a point ahead of Cameroon.

Sudan's missed chance

Sudan lost control of Group B with David Sebit scoring in stoppage time to earn South Sudan a 1-1 draw.

It allowed both Congo and Senegal to take advantage, which they did with 2-0 wins over Mauritania and Togo, respectively.

Congo moved top of Group B on 13 points, one ahead of unbeaten Senegal and Sudan. Sudan dropped to third on goal difference.

Black Stars twinkling

Ghana moved atop Group I by scoring a total of eight goals in back-to-back wins over Chad and Madagascar, helping ease the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in November.

Otto Addo’s team eased to a 5-0 rout of Chad in Accra on Friday, then enjoyed a 3-0 win over Madagascar on Monday to seize control of the group.

Comoros, the surprise early leader, stayed three points behind Ghana on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Chad.

Elephants hold on

Ivory Coast needed goalkeeper Yahia Fofana at his best as it held on for a 1-0 win over Gambia on Monday to stay a point above Gabon atop Group F.

Sébastien Haller’s early goal was enough for the Elephants to win in Abidjan, keeping the team top after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had scored twice for Gabon to beat Kenya 2-1.

Ivory Coast, the reigning Africa Cup champion, had previously beaten Burundi 1-0 in Morocco on Friday, while Gabon had a 3-0 win over the Seychelles on Thursday.

Tunisia consolidated top spot in Group H on Monday with two late goals to beat Malawi 2-0.

Four rounds of qualifiers remain.

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From Hunted to Hunter, Comeback King Verstappen Chases Fifth Title

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives during the second practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 5, 2025. (AFP)
Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives during the second practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 5, 2025. (AFP)
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From Hunted to Hunter, Comeback King Verstappen Chases Fifth Title

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives during the second practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 5, 2025. (AFP)
Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives during the second practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 5, 2025. (AFP)

Max Verstappen has won the Formula One title for the last four years, but it would be far from "more of the same" if he snatches a record-equaling fifth in a row at the Abu Dhabi season finale on Sunday.

The 28-year-old Red Bull driver has come back from 104 points behind McLaren's then-championship leader Oscar Piastri to 12 adrift of the Australian's teammate Lando Norris, now the frontrunner, in a span of just eight races.

As far as comebacks go, it is the greatest of the modern era in terms of reclaiming lost ground.

It could also be one for the ages, eclipsed only by some of the most heroic underdog stories, like Niki Lauda's return from a fiery crash to take the title down to the wire in 1976 before winning it in 1977.

"I think whether or not Max will win, it's probably fair to say that the world discovered an even more extraordinary Max this season, after his fourth world title," Verstappen's Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies told reporters at the Yas Marina circuit on Friday.

"It's up to you guys to say if... (2025) will become the best of his titles.

"But for sure, in terms of whatever happens next, the scale of the comeback is something that hopefully will go in a few history books."

STAND EQUAL WITH SCHUMACHER

Regardless of where it ranks, the Dutchman's quest to become only the second driver after Ferrari great Michael Schumacher to win five titles in a row stands in stark contrast to his four other title-winning campaigns.

Then, he was more hunted than hunter, if not dominant. Even in his hard-fought battle with Lewis Hamilton in 2021, Verstappen was chased down by the Briton who drew level with him on points heading into the Abu Dhabi finale.

This year, however, he has had to fight off the back foot -- overcoming an initially uncompetitive car and navigating a Red Bull leadership reshuffle that had Christian Horner ousted as team boss.

At the same time, he has balanced his F1 responsibilities with his role as father to a baby daughter, born in May, and extracurricular pursuits like GT racing, even winning on his GT3 debut around German track Nuerburgring's fearsome Nordschleife loop.

Five of Verstappen's seven wins have come in the last eight races, all of which he has finished on the podium.

Misfortune for his McLaren rivals has also worked in his favor. But equally, every bit of his trademark tenacity and determination has been on display, as he has hunted down the McLaren pair.

Born in Belgium to an F1 racer father Jos and top-level go-karter mother Sophie Kumpen, Verstappen has been on wheels as soon as he could walk.

His speed has never been in question. But this year it has been mated to a newfound maturity and a calm confidence, making him an even more formidable competitor.

"Max is not an easy four-time world champion to knock off his perch," said McLaren chief executive Zak Brown on Friday.

"Arguably, definitely, one of the greatest ever. It's awesome racing against Max," added the American.

Verstappen still needs Norris to finish off the podium on Sunday to seal the title, even if he races to a fifth Abu Dhabi win.

But if anyone can spring an upset, Verstappen can.

"Look, this guy never gets it wrong, you know, Max just never does a mistake," said Mekies.

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Norris Says F1 Title Means Everything and he Has Most to Lose Ahead of Abu Dhabi Decider

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 5, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris arrives ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki
Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 5, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris arrives ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki
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Norris Says F1 Title Means Everything and he Has Most to Lose Ahead of Abu Dhabi Decider

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 5, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris arrives ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki
Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 5, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris arrives ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

Lando Norris says winning the Formula One world championship would mean everything to him, but being the frontrunner also means he has most to lose.

The Briton goes into Sunday's three-way title decider in Abu Dhabi 12 points clear of Red Bull's Max Verstappen with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri a further four behind.

Norris could have wrapped the title up in Qatar last weekend, had results gone his way, and will do so at Yas Marina if he finishes on the podium. Anything less than that opens the door to his rivals.

"I guess in terms of position, of course, I have the most to lose because I am the one at the top," he told reporters.

"And I’ll do my best to stay there till the end of the year, a few more days. At the same time, if it doesn’t go my way, then I try again next year. It’ll hurt probably for a little while, but then, yeah, that’s life. I’ll crack on and try and do better next season."

Norris said, somewhat unconvincingly, that he had nothing to lose because it was "just" a race for the championship and he was "not too bothered". He then undermined that attempt at nonchalance by recognizing, in his answer to another question, just how much it really did matter.

"I think this has been my whole life. It's everything I've worked towards my whole life. So, it would mean the world to me," Reuters quoted him as saying.

"It would mean the world to everyone that’s supported me and pushed me for the last, what is it, like 16 years of my life in terms of trying to get to this point. So, it would mean everything. It would mean my life until now has been a success, and I’ve accomplished that dream I had when I was a kid."

Norris would be the 11th British world champion if he succeeds, while Verstappen would be adding a fifth title to his resume.

Piastri can become the first Australian in 45 years to become Formula One champion, following on from Alan Jones in 1980 and the late triple world champion Jack Brabham whose last title came in 1966.

Verstappen has said he had nothing to lose, having all but ruled out his chances as far back as August before staging an astonishing comeback, while Piastri told reporters he had the least to lose.

Sports

Prolific Kane and Undav Face Off as Bayern Head to Stuttgart

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is again scoring better than a goal a game this league campaign. Odd ANDERSEN / AFP
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is again scoring better than a goal a game this league campaign. Odd ANDERSEN / AFP
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Prolific Kane and Undav Face Off as Bayern Head to Stuttgart

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is again scoring better than a goal a game this league campaign. Odd ANDERSEN / AFP
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is again scoring better than a goal a game this league campaign. Odd ANDERSEN / AFP

League leaders Bayern Munich travel to Stuttgart on Saturday, setting the scene for a battle between the Bundesliga's two in-form goal getters: Harry Kane and Deniz Undav.

With 14 goals in 12 league matches this season, England captain Kane is once again scoring better than a goal a game for the Bavarian giants.

In Stuttgart's corner, Germany striker Undav has roared back into form in recent weeks. In his past six games in all competitions, the 29-year-old has eight goals and two assists.

The one-time Brighton forward is averaging two goals a game in his past three Bundesliga matches.

Undav is scoring so often, he has lost count.

"I don't know myself how many I've scored," Undav said after celebrating by counting his fingers then shrugging his shoulders.

"I'll take the hot streak in my stride. I'll try to keep going like this and to help the team."

Bayern boast the best defense in the league but have been leaking goals lately, conceding 11 in their past six fixtures in all competitions, setting the stage for a high-scoring showdown.

On Wednesday, Bayern beat Union Berlin to reach the last eight of the German Cup, but gave away two penalties -- with veteran Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer conceding two spot-kicks in one match for the first time in his career.

After the match, Kane told journalists it showed the side were able to dig deep and win in different ways.

"This was a different type of game that we had to show a bit more character, a bit more togetherness and we've done that really well, Kane said.

"I think you saw the celebrations by us at the end. It was an important moment for our season."

The two sides already met once this season at the same venue in the season-opening Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup, with defending league champions Bayern beating German Cup holders Stuttgart 2-1.

On Saturday, second-placed RB Leipzig will hope to keep pace with league leaders Bayern when they host Eintracht Frankfurt.

Elsewhere, third-placed Borussia Dortmund host Hoffenheim on Sunday. Relegation battlers last season, Hoffenheim have risen to fifth this campaign.

Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi's talents have long been obvious, but under coach Niko Kovac, the Germany forward has been able to show his skills on a more consistent basis.

Kovac has repeatedly said the lightning-quick Adeyemi has been "kissed by God" -- something the 23-year-old says he is well aware of.

"This is something he has said to me many times, that I might have a few gifts that not everybody has," Adeyemi told the Bundesliga website Thursday, but added: "Having these gifts and not using them is another matter.

"I try to work hard and use these God-given talents in my game. Otherwise it would be wasted talent."

With four goals so far this season -- and two in his past two games -- Adeyemi is on track for his most productive season since joining Dortmund in 2022.